History and significance of Antimachia

The ancient town of Antimachia lies in the interior of the island, on a plateau 170 metres above sea level, and its history dates back to Byzantine times. However, the town reached its strategic peak during the reign of the Johannite Order, who built a fortress here in the 14th century to control the sea routes between the islands of Kos and Nisyros. Antimachia, also known as the castle of the Johannite Order, was built on the foundations of a Byzantine fortress and over the centuries became an important bulwark against the raids of the Ottoman Empire and pirates. The fortress underwent significant modifications in the 15th century, mainly thanks to Grand Master Piero d'Aubusson, who strengthened its fortifications and added new elements to improve its defences.

The castle withstood many attacks, including a major siege in 1457 when a small garrison of knights and locals successfully repelled Ottoman raiders. The fortress of Antimachia, together with the castles of Paleo Pyli and Kefalos, served to protect the population. During the Ottoman siege, up to 25,000 islanders found protection inside the castle, so the size of the entire fortress and its facilities were very significant. Although the Ottomans eventually occupied the castle in the 16th century, the fortress remained an important part of the defence system until the 19th century, when it was abandoned.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the inhabitants of Kos abandoned the fortress and founded two new settlements in the vicinity called Antimachia and Kardamena. The Ottomans left the island in 1871. Unfortunately, two strong earthquakes in 1926 and 1933 had an impact on the appearance of the former fortress.

Antimachia conservation area at present

Today, Antimachia is a popular destination for tourists who come here mainly because of the extensive ruins of the fortress. Antimachia Fortress, located about 3 km east of the town, is open to the public and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Aegean Sea. The outer fortifications of the fortress have been preserved and two Venetian churches still stand inside the fortress - the 18th century Agia Paraskevi and the 16th century Agios Nikolaos, which give the place a spiritual atmosphere and provide shelter from the sun.

The castle of Antimachia is situated on a rocky hill covering more than 26 hectares, making the interior of the fortress very large. The fortress is entered through double gates, one of which was originally a drawbridge.

Another symbol of Antimachia is the traditional windmill, which stands right in the town of Antimachia and is still in use. The stone mill is not only a historical monument, but also a working facility where flour is still milled today - up to 800 kilograms a day. A visit to this mill is a great opportunity to learn more about traditional grain processing methods and the role of the mill in the lives of the islanders.

Antimachia is famous for its traditional architecture, which reflects the history of the island and the influences of the different cultures that have left their mark on Kos. The town also houses the Traditional House of Antimachia, a replica of a local building from the early 20th century, where visitors can learn more about life on Kos in past centuries.

Tourist information

The ancient town of Antimachia is easily accessible, situated close to the airport and on the main road leading from the capital of Kos, from where it is about 22 km away (about 30 minutes by bus). The remains of the Antimachia fortress are then about 3.5 km further down the road from the village and can be reached comfortably by car, with ample parking space in front of the fortress.

Antimachia is also only a few kilometres from the famous seaside resorts of Kardamena and Mastichari, so we can only recommend a visit to this beautiful historical place. After visiting the fortress and the town, you can relax in one of the local tavernas and taste traditional Greek specialties.

More touristic destinations of Kos

Most favourite sights of Kos: Agora (archaeological site), Archaeological Museum (Kos Town), Asklepion (archaeological site), Neratzia Castle, Roman Odeon, Old town of Paleo Pili

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Kos.